Chandigarh: In a powerful address at the 71st Convocation of Panjab University, the Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, expressed his concerns about the sanctity of legislatures being compromised by what he referred to as “anti-national narratives.” He termed this phenomenon a “disturbing dilution of our nationalism and patriotic spirit” and called upon the youth to play a pivotal role in neutralizing such tendencies.
The Vice-President, who also serves as the ex-officio Chancellor of Panjab University, lauded the institution’s progress under its first woman Vice-Chancellor in its 140-year history. He highlighted the end of “privileged pedigree” and commended the fair and equitable enforceability of equality before the law. Shri Dhankhar emphasized the importance of providing a level-playing field for young people, free from the nightmares of patronage, favoritism, and nepotism.
Addressing the students, the Vice-President drew attention to emerging opportunities, particularly in disruptive technology. He stressed the crucial role of universities in dismantling silos that overly prioritize cutthroat competitiveness for government jobs, urging a balanced appreciation of the power and peril of competition.
Economic nationalism took center stage in Shri Dhankhar’s address, where he asserted its fundamental role in growth. He questioned the rationale of engaging in avoidable imports at the cost of indigenous products, stating that fiscal gain should never compromise economic nationalism. He called upon corporates, industry, and trade associations to foster economic nationalism in a mission mode.
Recognizing the pivotal role of faculty and alumni in the strength of a university, the Vice-President appealed to alumni to contribute to the growth of their Alma Mater. He urged corporates to support educational institutions in India, emphasizing that universities should be crucibles for confronting ideas rather than mere sanctuaries for comfort.
Several dignitaries, including Shri Banwarilal Purohit, Governor of Punjab; Shri Bandaru Dattatreya, Governor of Haryana; Shri Kultar Singh Sandhwan, Speaker of Punjab Assembly; Shri Harjot Singh Bains, Education Minister, Punjab; and Prof. Renu Vig, Vice-Chancellor, Panjab University, were present at the convocation. The Vice-President’s call to safeguard democracy and embrace economic nationalism resonated strongly with the audience, emphasizing the critical role of the youth in shaping the nation’s future.